This is my first trip to Ireland and will be traveling with friends by car. We are driving from Galway, stopping at the Cliffs of Moher on our way to Tralee since it looks like a great spot on a map to visit both peninsulas.
Is Tralee a good base for visiting the Dingle Peninsula & The Ring of Kerry? We expect to stay 3 nights (self catering or B & B) as a base, then move on to Kinsale.
Here are my concerns:
Is Tralee a typical Irish town for walking around or going to pubs? In Rick’s 2019 book, he says it’s a workaday market and transit hub, worthy of an hour’s stop if driving through.
Are 3 nights too long to stay in Tralee?
What are other towns to stay in the area? I was thinking of Killorglin.
Thanks!
Posted by
Chattanooga, TN USA
565 posts
I can't offer advice about Tralee but we based in Killorglin for a week. It's a small town, with several pubs and a couple of really nice restaurants but otherwise pretty quiet. It's on the Ring of Kerry and is close to Gap of Dunloe and Killarney. Also good for exploring Dingle. We enjoyed our time there but it is not what I would describe as lively. Coffey's Rivers Edge B & B gets good reviews for a place to stay.
Others on the forum have recommended Castlemaine as a base for the area.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you, Kathryne. Did you stay at Coffey's B & B? It looks like it is right in town.
Posted by
Chattanooga, TN USA
565 posts
We did not stay at Coffeys but I have friends who did and raved about it. It has lovely views overlooking the river and is within easy walking distance of everything.
Because we were staying a week I rented a cottage so we could have a kitchen and washer/dryer.
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2822 posts
Per Katheryine, the corridor between Castlemaine and and Killorglin would be my suggestion too. Tralee is a nice place for a short stop but is pretty remote to use as a base for exploring Dingle and the ROK. As was mentioned, Killorglin/Castlemaine are central for explorations of both the Dingle peninsula and the Ring ... especially the scenic northern part to include the Gap of Dunloe, the Skellig Center at Portmagee, Valencia Island, and the Skellig Ring Road. It's also central enough to permit an easy day trip into Killarney to take in the attractions in the National Park, but then leaving the congestion and crowds behind you as you return to your accommodation in the countryside.
I'd avoid overnighting in Killarney - many consider it a tourist trap but my main complaint is the traffic ... which can be murder when the tour buses start to roll. I'd suggest Kenmare as an alternative for exploring the southern part of the Ring and the Beara peninsula if you have the time and the interest.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thanks for replying Robert. Kenmare is on my list for the Beara Peninsula and southern area, if we have time.
Posted by
stevens point, wi, usa
1189 posts
Hi fromWisconsin,
Kenmare or Kilorglan for a place to stay. Beara pennisula and Dingle. Kerry is for tour busses.
wayne iNWI